I was born to an Australian mother and German father in Australia in 1969. I grew up in South Africa, Germany, Iraq and finished my last two years of schooling in Australia. I built a successful professional corporate career with international construction and mining companies specialising in corporate governance, risk management, compliance and assurance. My world changed in 2018 when I lost my partner Mike (RIP) of 14 years to cancer. Shortly after that I retired, for the third time, aged 47, from my professional career. Not long after that I left the relative comfort and safety of my sister and friends in Australia and moved to a ski resort in the Austrian alps, Kitzbuhel. There I became a partner in a hostel and director of a home services business. Like for many, the 2020 global health pandemic presented significant challenges for me. I became stranded in Cyprus. A long story I won‘t bore you with. During my time in Cyprus I bought, renovated, long and short stayed and flipped a couple of properties, plus one in Budapest. My passion in Cyprus was helping abandoned and neglected hunting dogs. I fostered mostly young pups or dogs who were ill, and helped weekly at the shelter. I also hosted guests in Cyprus. Villanelle Dog Friendly B&B was rated 9.8 from 10 the two years I was open. Islands are not for me. In February 2023 I finally left Cyprus, exactly three years to the day I arrived, with my dog Vexy … to build a new life in the Sierra Nevada, Spain.

Casa Morayma is a small Moorish-Moroccan inspired Guesthouse in a tranquil village perched within the Sierra Nevada National park in the Lecrin Valley. 15km South of Granada, 20km from the Mediterranean Sea and gateway to the Alpujarra. I host a maximum of 6 adult guests to make sure all guests can find somewhere private and relaxing to chill out. The Lecrin Valley offers nature enthusiasts many great adventures and views of course. The closest bar / restaurant is a stunning 1.5km walk from Casa Morayma to Rincon De Miguels. In my opinion, the best tapas bar in the valley. On this walk you go through the Rio Torrente valley, walking through olive, almond, walnut, cheery and so on orchards. In winter through to Spring, the river flows and becomes another level of magic. There are many walks from the front door and many many scattered all over the valley. Acequias is renown for its tranquility. The village is almost hidden from most vistas except for when driving down the N332a from Niguelas towards Acequias. The locals own the farms around Acequias. I always share the produce they so generously give to me. Casa Morayma is about 5 minutes off the A44 Granada/Motrill freeway but there is zero road noise!

Acequias is renown as being ‚tranquilo“ or tranquil. Perched 890m on part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range while only a 5 minute drive to A-44 taking you to Granada or Motril, Malaga, Almeria. One of the local bakers delivers fresh bread 3 times a day, 6 days a week. The egg lady comes on Thursdays. Mercadona is 3km drive away. Granada 15km. Closest beach 25 minutes but suggest going a little further for the most amazing beach experience at Cantajarran. The Alhambra is a must do! Its 20 minutes down the road. The Albaicyn is a must do. HIghly recommend parking or getting a lift at Sacramonte, walk down in Granada, through the Albaicy. The views to the Alhambra on left of the path make it magical by day or night. There is no shortage of gobsmackingly beautiful hikes from Casa Morayma‘s front door but also generally across the Lecrin Valley and beyond of course. Its a about a 3km walk along the Acequias cliffs to Niguelas. Niguelas is arguably the coolest of all villages in the valley. A variety of bars, restaurants, beauty services, groceries, live music venue and the monthly artisanal markets, first Saturday each month, March to December. A good friend of mine Kirsten Pederson plans and leads hiking Groups on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Not all guided hikes are in the Lecrin Valley so its a great opportunity to see some other areas while you are here. She also organises multi-day hikes for small groups. The Lecrin Valley was once the food bowl of the Alhambra, during Moorish rule. Our valleys have different microclimates, the Sierra Nevada Mountain water keeps the valley green almost all year round. The valley comprises of many small quintessentially Spanish villages dotted every 2-3km. Each village has something special to offer. The Lecrin Valley is special! Come experience it.